It’s that time of year again! With 2014 coming to a close, we look back on the metal songs which impacted our ears since Jan. 1. For this list, we’re taking into account fan response, songwriting prowess, popularity, creative progression, technical ability and many more dynamics. After a year’s worth of thought, listening to everything we can get our hands on and keeping our ears to the ground, we give you our choices for the 20 Best Metal Songs of 2014!

Judas Priest: "Halls of Valhalla"

Behemoth: "Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer"

Mastodon: "Chimes at Midnight"

Slipknot: "The Negative One"

Overkill: "Armorist"

Insomnium: "While We Sleep"

Exodus: "Salt The Wound"

Septicflesh: "Order of Dracul"

Cynic: "True Halluncination Speak"

Opeth: "Cusp of Eternity"

Arch Enemy: "War Eternal"

Triptykon: "Boleskine House"

Agalloch: "Celestial Effigy"

With Our Arms to the Sun: "Tessellation"

Vader: "Triumph of Death"

Steel Panther: "Gloryhole"

Goatwhore: "Baring Teeth For Revolt"

Slayer: "Implode"

Down: "We Knew Him Well"

Alunah: "Heavy Bough"

British doom act Alunah released the killer 'Awakening the Forest' album this year, led by the track 'Heavy Bough.' The piece of doom psychedelia is a slow burn which becomes increasingly hypnotic as frontwoman Soph Day begins her calm vocal approach. The rest of 'Heavy Bough' is carried by a solid instrumental foundation reminiscent of classic Black Sabbath, though the song consistently maintains its own identity.